Carrying case

ABSTRACT

The lightweight carrying case comprises wire side walls, a molded plastic floor having an integral depending stacking ring and a wire retainer which joins the plastic floor to the side walls of the case. The wire retainer of one embodiment of the invention is rectangular in form comprising intermediate portions, which engage the lower surface of the floor, and offset portions or loops which pass through slots adjacent the outer edges of the plastic floor. The offset portions are welded or secured in some other equivalent manner to the side wall, thereby forming a reliable connection between the floor and the side walls. In other embodiments, vertical elements of the side walls are secured directly to the plastic floor or are welded to wire members retained in the plastic floor.

United States Patent [191 Woodruff et a1.

451 Feb. 19, 1974 CARRYING CASE [73] Assignee: Cumberland Corporation,

Chattanooga, Tenn.

22 Filed: Mar. 3, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 16,014

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 661,254, Aug.17, 1967,

Mulcahy 220/4 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 217,889 11/1957Australia 220/19 Primary ExaminerGeorge E. Lowrance Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Cushman, Darby & Cushman [57] ABSTRACT The lightweight carryingcase comprises wire side walls, a molded plastic floor having anintegral depending stacking ring and a wire retainer which joins theplastic floor to the side walls of the case. The wire retainer of oneembodiment of the invention is rectangular in form comprisingintermediate portions, which engage the lower surface of the floor, andoffset portions or loops which pass through slots adjacent the outeredges of the plastic floor. The offset portions are welded or secured insome other equivalent manner to the side wall, thereby forming areliable connection between the floor and the side walls. In otherembodiments, vertical elements of the side walls are secured directly tothe plastic floor or are welded to wire members retained in the plasticfloor.

31 Claims, 38 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDFEBIQW 3,792,786

SHEET 1 OF 5 1N Vl-IN TORS lan cz /mamw/ PAIENTED FEB I 91974 SHEET 4 OF5 flfrolenzxs P remznrww w 3,792,796

' SHEET 5 0F 5 INVENTORS CARRYING CASE This application is acontinuation of our copending application Ser. No. 661,254 filed Aug.17, 1967, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND, THE PRIOR ART AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Thepresent invention relates to carrying cases and, in particular, to animproved lightweight, high-strength carrying case having wire side wallsand a molded plastic floor or bottom. Cases of the type contemplated bythe instant invention are commonly employed for carrying andtransporting milk cartons or containers or the like and are generallyreferred to as dairy cases or crates.

Heretofore, dairy cases have been constructed of a plurality ofrelatively heavy gauge metal wires and/or rods which are arranged toform both the side walls and bottom wall of the case. Typical of suchprior art wire case constructions are those disclosed in the [1.8. Pat.No. 2,752,062 to Swingle. Other prior art efforts have included caseconstructions wherein a sheet metal bottom is utilized in combinationwith wire side wall members. While such prior art wire dairy caseconstructions have enjoyed widespread trade acceptance and henceconsiderable commercial success, they suffer from various disadvantages.Thus, in order to withstand the rather rough treatment and severe forceswhich such dairy cases experience in normal use, it has been necessaryto employ relatively heavy gauge metal materials in their constructionto provide adequate durability and strength. As a consequence, prior artwire case constructions possessing the requisite strength and durabilityhave been relatively heavy. For example, a 16 quart, or 9 half galloncontainer capacity wire dairy case of the prior art typically weighs inthe neighborhood of 7.75 to 8.5 pounds or more. Such relatively heavycases not only result in the handling and shipment of considerable deadweight and consequently a reduction in the useful product load which canbe transported but also necessitate the utilization of heavier dutyconveyor and stacking equipment in the mechanized case fillingoperations at the dairy than would be required by lighter weight cases.Of course, the considerable manual handling of such relatively heavyweight cases as occurs in normal usage is both burdensome and consumesconsiderable amounts of human energy.

Another common disadvantage of prior art wire case constructions istheir lack of resilience and susceptibility to permanent deformationfrom the severe loads and impacts to which dairy cases are frequentlyexposed in use. Permanent distortion or deformation of such cases isundesirable not only because such distortion will interfere with thecases primary function of containing and protectively carrying aplurality of relatively fragile paper type milk containers, but alsobecause such deformation will interfere with, if not prevent, properutilization of the automated stacking, conveying and filling equipmentemployed in modern dairies. For example, a misshapened or distorted casewill often fail to properly register with the automatic casers employedto deposit or load a plurality or group of filled milk containers intothe dairy case for subsequent shipment. Of course, permanent deformationof the cases can also prevent the proper secure stacking of the filledcases upon one another during storage. Such debilitating permanentdeformation can occur from severe loads and repeated impacts upon theside walls of the case as well as from forces imposed upon the cornersof the case which tend to distort the case from its rectangular shapeinto a somewhat diamond configuration. In addition, the bottom wall orfloor of a dairy case, as well as its connection to the case side walls,must be sufficiently strong to resist permanent deformation or otherfailure under both normally encountered internal and external loads aswell as repeated and severe impacts. Moreover, it is desirable that thebottom wall assembly be sufficiently resilient to soften or cushion thefilled milk cartons from the shocks and impacts which occur duringhandling and shipment. Of course, it is also obviously desirable thatthe bottom walls of dairy cases present a smooth projection free andrelatively soft supporting surface to the relatively fragile milkcartons so as to minimize abrasion and consequent damage to the productcontaining cartons.

The all metal wire case constructions of the prior art not only lackmany of the aforementioned desirable characteristics, but also generatea disquieting relatively high level of noise during handling. Moreover,prior art wire case constructions commonly employ intricate and complexarrangements of a great multiplicity of various wire and rod parts whichrequire involved procedural steps and the use of complicated jigs andother fixtures for manufacture and assembly.

The present invention overcomes the aforedescribed disadvantages of theprior art and provides a lightweight high strength durable carrying casefor dairy products and the like that can be readily and economicallymanufactured.

In its broad aspects a case embodying the present invention compriseswire side walls, a unitary molded plastic floor or bottom wall, and awire retaining member which securely interconnects the molded plasticfloor to the wire side walls of the case. The wire side walls arepreferably formed of heat treated alloy steel wire. The wire retainingmember of one embodiment is rectangular in form and comprises verticallyextending open loop or offset portions and horizontally extendingintermediate portions. The intermediate portions are received in grooveson the lower surface of the floor, while the vertically extending openloops extend through elongated apertures located adjacent the edges ofthe molded plastic floor. The vertically extending loops are secured attheir midpoints by welding or other equivalent means to the lower edgeof the wire side walls, thereby firmly affixing the floor to the sidewalls.

In other embodiments, vertical wires of the side walls are joined as bywelding to wire members retained in the plastic floors or aresecured-directly to the plastic floors. In the latter method ofattachment, the vertical wires extend through apertures in the floorsand are provided with enlarged heads which retain the vertical wires inthe apertures.

Whereas, as aforementioned, a typical prior art wire milk case, whichwill hold 16 quart, or 9 half gallon containers, weighs 7.75 to 8.5pounds, a case embodying the present invention with the same. carryingcapacity weighs only 4.5 pounds. Due to this reduction in weight,additional products can be carried on long hauls in carload or truckloadquantities without overloading the vehicle. Also, manual handling of thecases, whether filled with-cartons or empty, within adairy or dairyroute operation is easier and considerably less energy consuming.Further, with the light-weight case of the present invention, less bulkyand lighter duty conveying systems can be utilized along with reducedhorsepower driving units in handling the cases at the dairy.

The one-piece plastic bottom is preferably made of a polyolefinmaterial, such as high impact polypropylene, to take advantage of itsstiffness, resiliency and impact strength. Of course, other suitablesynthetic resin materials such as, polyethylene or polyamids can beemployed. This floor construction has a high degree of resiliency tosoften or cushion road shock when the products are being transported.Also, the inherently smooth, relatively soft molded plastic surface ofthis floor lowers abrasion between it and the coated milk cartons andthereby reduces the possibility of leaks forming in the milk cartons. Inaddition to the inherent benefits resulting from handling a lightweightcontainer with a plastic floor, the molded floor of the presentinvention, unlike metal floor assemblies, can be easily produced invarious colors so as to facilitate customer identification. Further, theapertures in the plastic floor make the case easy to wash in theupstanding position rather than requiring the case to be inverted as isoften the case with existing cases. Moreover, since the dependingstacking ring element is formed during molding of the plastic bottom, aseparate stacking ring element and consequent separate assembly partsand operations are not required.

The wire structure itself is constructed of a heattreatable alloy steelwhich, in addition to being lightweight, has inherent advantages. Thus,the wire material employed in constructing a case according to thepresent invention is preferably hardened through a heat treatment to aminimum of 160,000 psi yield strength with ultimate values reaching ashigh as 200,000 psi. This results in a case structure having a somewhatlower stiffness than the conventional wire cases but of much higheryield and ultimate strength. That is, a case embodying the presentinvention can be distorted to a much higher degree than standard casesby heavy loads or other abuse, and yet return to its original shape,while similar heavy loads and impacts on a standard case would produce apermanent set or deformation which would make the case unsuitable foruse with automatic loading equipment and in the transport of milk orother dairy products.

The open looped wire retaining member firmly affixes the plastic floorto the side walls of the case in such a manner that the case canwithstand loads exerted on the floor from either within or without thecase. In addition, the vertical open loops allow for dimensionaldifferences between the wire member and the molded plastic floorassembly. Also, due to the cantilever action of the loop, rather severevariations in temperature can be accommodated although the plastic has aconsiderably greater co-efficient of expansion than the steel. Finally,the present invention also provides a secure, yet simple and economicalconnection between the plastic bottom and wire side walls, which doesnot in any way interfere with the milk cartons inside the case or withother cases or foreign bodies outside of the case.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invery light inweight and possesses high strength and great resistance to permanentdistortion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedlightweight high-strength dairy case construction which effectivelycombines, and thus takes optimum advantage of, the desirable qualitiesof metal and plastic materials.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent from the following description and the'accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a case embodying the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view partially in section of the lower portion ofthe wire frame side walls with the plastic floor and the open loopedretaining wire of the case shown in FIG. 1;

' FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 33 of FIG. 1 showingthe manner in which the molded plastic. floor is secured to the wireside walls;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a center edge portion of the lowersurface of the floor of the case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a corner edge portion of the lowersurface of the floor of the case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 77 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8a is a fragmentary top plan view showing a modified form of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8b is a sectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9a is a fragmentary top plan view showing another modified form ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9b is a sectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 9a;

FIG. 10a is a fragmentary top plan view showing a further modified formof the present invention;

FIG. 10b is a sectional side view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 10a;

FIG. 11a is a fragmentary top plan view showing a still further modifiedform of the present invention;

FIG. 11b is a sectional side view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 11a;

FIG. 12a is a fragmentary top plan view showing another modified form ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12b is a sectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 12a;

FIG. 13a is a fragmentary top plan view of still another modified formof the present invention;

FIG. 13b is a sectional side view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 13a;

FIG. 14a is a fragmentary top plan view of another modified form of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14b is a sectional side view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 14a;

FIG. 15a is a fragmentary top plan view of a further modified form ofthe present invention;

FIG. 15b is a sectional side view taken along the line b- -b of FIG.15a;

FIG. 16a is a fragmentary top plan view of another modified form of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16b is a sectional side view taken along the line b--b of FIG. 16a;

FIG. 17a is a fragmentary top plan view of still another modified formof the present invention;

FIG. 17b is a sectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 17a;

FIG. 18a is a fragmentary top plan view of another modified form of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18b is a sectional side view taken along the line FIG. 21b is asectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 21a;

FIG. 22a is a fragmentary top plan view of another modified form of thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 22b and 22c are sectional side views taken along the lines bb andcc, respectively, of FIG. 22a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3of the drawings, there is shown a case 28 comprising vertically disposedwire side walls 30, a one-piece molded plastic bottom wall or floor 32having an integral depending stacking ring 56 and a rectangular wireretaining member 34 which securely interconnects the molded plasticfloor 32 to the wire side walls 30. In the preferred embodiments of theinvention the wire side walls comprise wire members composed of 8720alloy steel, a nickelchrome-molybdenum alloy, or some other heattreatable alloy. To provide high strength and enhanced resistance topermanent deformation, the wire side wall alloy is heat treated so as tohave a minimum yield strength of about 160,000 psi and preferably ayield strength of l65,000 psi. with an ultimate strength of about200,000 psi or more. Preferably, the molded plastic bottom wall member32 is formed of a suitable polyolefin material, such as a high impactpolypropylene or other thermoplastic copolymers, although it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that thermosetting polyesters,fiberglass or reinforced polyesters can also be used.

The wire side walls 30 are generally of a somewhat conventionalconstruction and include, in the form of endless rings, a bottomperimeter frame wire 36, intermediate perimeter frame wires 38, 40 and42 and a top frame wire 44. The bottom perimeter frame wire 36 and theintermediate perimeter frame wires 38, 40 and 42 are preferably of arectangular configuration in plan and of substantially the same shapehaving corresponding transverse dimensions substantially equal. The topframe wire 44 has the same general rectangular configuration in plan asthe bottom frame wire 36 but can be dimensionally somewhat smaller. Thatis, the transverse dimensions of the top frame wire 44 can be somewhatless than the corresponding transverse dimensions of the bottomperimeter frame wire 36. As shown in the drawings, the frame wires arecircular in cross section; however, it will be readily understood thatother crosssectional configurations can be utilized.

The bottom perimeter frame wire 36 and the intermediate perimeter framewires 38, 40 and 42 are disposed in vertically spaced alignment by aseries of laterally spaced vertical panel wires 46 which are outwardlyoffset as indicated by reference numeral 52 and secured at their upperends to the outer surface of the top frame wire 44 by welding or thelike and at their bottom ends to the inner surface of the bottomperimeter frame wire 36, also by welding or the like. The vertical panelwires 46 are also secured as by welding or the like to the inner surfaceof the intermediate perimeter frame wires 38, 40 and 42 at eachintersection therebetween. By securing the vertical panel wires 46,which for example can be No. 11 gauge wire, to the inner surfaces of thebottom and intermediate perimeter frame wires 36, 38, 40 and 42,respectively, which for example can be No. 6 gauge wire, the perimeterframe wires will be disposed outermost and thereby protect therelatively smaller vertical wires. Instead of utilizing separate wirelengths to form the vertical panel wires 46 as shown in the accompanyingdrawings, the vertical panel wires can be formed by a series of spacedhairpin wires of the type disclosed in the aforementioned US. Pat. No.2,752,062 to Swingle. As best seen in FIG. 1, the portions of thevertical panel wires 46 of each side wall extending between theintermediate perimeter frame wires 40 and 42 diverge outwardly of thecenter line in the plane of their respective side walls toward thecorners to provide handle portions 47 on the intermediate perimeterframe wire 42 and the top frame wire 44.

The case 28 also includes four corner posts or angles 48, one at eachcorner of the case, which extend vertically along the inner surfaces ofthe corners between the bottom perimeter frame wire 36 and the uppermostintermediate perimeter frame wire 42. Each corner post 48 is formed ofsheet metal and, as best seen in FIG. 3, has a generally L-shapedconfiguration in cross section. Thus, the longitudinally extending edgeportions 49 of each corner post 48 which form the legs of the L-crosssection which are of substantially equal lateral extent are disposedsubstantially normal to one another and merge in a transversely curvedjuncture so as to generally conform to the configuration of the casecorner formed by the intersection of adjacent side walls. As best seenin FIGS. 1 and 2, each corner post also includes outwardly offsetportions-50 projecting into the space between the bottom perimeter framewire 36 and the next lowest intermediate perimeter frame wire 38 andextending generally in the planes defined by the outer surfaces of theseperimeter frame wires 36 and 38. Each offset portion 50 will be seen toform shoulders 51 at its upper and lower ends which lie adjacent theintermediate perimeter frame wire 38 and the bottom perimeter frame wire36, respectively. In addition, the leg portions 49 of each corner post48 can be provided with longitudinally extending outwardly offsetstrengthening beads 53 which in the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIG. I extend from the intermediate frame wire 38 to theuppermost intermediate frame wire 42. The inner surfaces of the bottomperimeter frame wire and the intermediate perimeter frame wires 38, 40and 42 are welded to the outer interengaged surfaces of the corner posts48. In this regard the outwardly offset strengthening beads 53 on eachcorner post leg 49 provide convenient welding points at theirintersections with the intermediate perimeter frame wires 38, 40 and 42.It will be clear that by fastening the vertical panel wires 46 to theouter surface of top frame wire 44 and to the inner surfaces of theintermediate perimeter frame wires 38, 40 and 42 and the bottomperimeter frame wire 36, in combination with the smooth interiorsurfaces of corner members 48, loading and unloading of cases 28 isfacilitated since the milk cartons will slide easily over the interiorsurfaces of the case which are thus free of carton snagging projections.

The plasticbottom wall or floor 32 comprises a unitary or one-pieceelement which, as aforementioned, is preferably formed by molding asuitable plastic or syn thetic resin material, such as high impactpolypropylene into the desired size and configuration. As best seen inFIGS. 2-7 of the drawing, the plastic floor element 32 has a generallyrectangular peripheral configuration in plan so as to have substantiallythe same outline shape as the configuration in plan of the bottomperimeter frame 36. While the outermost transverse dimensions of thefloor element 32 are preferably substantially the same or equal to thecorresponding outermost transverse dimensions of the bottom perimeterframe wire 36, it will be clear that the floor member 32 can bedimensionally somewhat smaller than the outermost transverse dimensions,but greater than the innermost transverse dimensions, of the bottomperimeter frame wire. in other words, it is preferable that theoutermost transverse extent of the floor member 32 substantiallycorrespond to the outermost transverse extent of the bottom perimeterframe wire 36. The floor member 32 includes a marginal edge portion 54terminating outwardly in a generally vertical peripheral edge 55 andmerging inwardly with an integral article supporting lattice portion 58.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the article supporting lattice portion 58 isformed by a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spacedintegral web elements 60 which intersect and are integral withconcentric, radially spaced annular web elements 61. in the embodimentof the invention illustrated herein the radial elements 60 are spaced atintervals of about fifteen degrees 15) and the annular elements 61 arespaced radially at about I inch intervals from one another and define aplurality of radially and, circumferentially spaced openings 63throughout the lattice portion v58. While the illustrated configurationof the lattice portion 58 employing radial web elements 60, intersectingconcentric annular web elements 61, has been found to beparticularlysuitable in providing with minimum material, and hence at aminimum weight, the requisite strength and rigidity for its articlesupporting function as well as resistance to damage from impacts fromboth within and without the case 28, it will be clear that other openlattice like configurations, such as a rectangular grid configuration,can be employed for the lattice portion 58.

The marginal edge portion 54 of the molded plastic floor member 32includes at its lower face a downwardly opening marginal retainingelement receiving groove 64 spaced uniformly inwardly of, and extendinggenerally parallel to, the the peripheral edge 55 and a dependingintegral stacking ring projection 56 spaced inwardly of the groove 64.The retaining element receiving groove 64 extends adjacent eachperipheral edge surface 55 of the floor member 52 and is preferably acontinuous groove presenting a generally rectangular configuration inplan of substantially-the same shapeas the bottom perimeterframewire36-but dimensioned slightly smaller. That is, in the embodimentof the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings, the outerwall 65 of the retaining element receiving groove 64 will be disposedinwardly of the outer surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 36 whenthe floor 32 is in its assembled position relative to the bottomperimeter frame wire 36. The downwardly facing top wall 67 of theretaining element receiving groove 64, which extends intermediate theupper and lower surfaces of the marginal edge portion 54, is interruptedat longitudinally spaced intervals by a plurality of elongated aperturesor slots 62 which extend through the remaining depth of the marginaledge portion 54 and open at the upper surface thereof.

The depending stacking ring 56 which is integral with the molded plasticfloor 32 and disposed inwardly of the retaining element receiving groove64 is of a generally rectangular configuration in plan and ofsubstantially the same shape in plan as the top frame wire 44 butdimensionally somewhat smaller. That is, the outermost transversedimensions of the stacking ring 56 are slightly less than thecorresponding innermost transverse dimensions of the top frame wire 44so that the case 28 can be stacked upon a like case with the stackingring 56 disposed within the inner perimeter of the top frame wire 44' ofsuch like case as shown in broken lines in FIG. 1 so as to preventlateral displacement of the case from its stacked position. The stackingring 56, in addition to preventing the lateral shifting of stackedcases, serves also as a case-supporting member when the case is restingon a floor surface. When the case 28 is slid along the floor or othersurface, as is frequently the case in normal usage, the plastic stackingring 56, which is the only part of the case in engagement with suchsurface, permits the case to slide easily over such surface. Moreover,stacking ring 56, being an integral part or element of the plastic floormember 32, also serves to strengthen the floor 32.

The molded plastic floor is simply, yet very effectively secured to'theside walls 30 of the case 28 by means of a wire retaining member 34. Thewire retaining member 34 in the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings comprises a wire ring having a rectangularconfiguration in plan generally corresponding in size and shape to theretaining element receiving groove 64. As was the case with theaforementioned frame wires, the retaining member 34 can be formed from astraight length of wire which is bent to the desired rectangularconfiguration and the opposing terminal end portions thereof butt weldedand forged to form an endless ring.

Preferably after being formed into its endless rectangular ringconfiguration, each side of the wire retaining member 34 is providedwith a plurality of longitudinally spaced similar offset loop portions66. The offset loop portions 66 correspond in number and longitudinalspacing to the number and longitudinal spacing of the elongatedapertures 62 in the marginal edge portion 54 of the molded plasticbottom member 32 and are thus registrable therewith. As best seen inFIG. 2, each offset loop portion 66 projects similarly in a directiongenerally normal to the plane of the wire retaining member 34 and isspaced from adjacent offset loop portions 66 by an intermediate wireportion 68 which extends in the flat plane of the retaining member 34.Each offset loop portion 66 will be seen to comprise a pair of legelements 70 converging as they extend outwardly from the adjacent endsof adjacent intermediate portions 68 and merging in an arcuate vertex orbight 72. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. l-7,the vertical extent of the offset loop portions 66 is slightly greaterthan the sum or combined dimension of the diameter of the bottomperimeter frame wire 36 and the thickness of the plastic materialbetween the top wall 67 of the retaining element receiving groove 64 andthe upper surface of the marginal edge portion 54 of the bottom member32.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3-7, when the case 28 is assembled thebottom perimeter frame wire 36 will overlie and engage the upper surfaceof the marginal edge portion 54 of the molded plastic bottom 32outwardly adjacent the elongated apertures 62 and the rectangular wireretaining member 34 will be disposed within the retaining elementreceiving groove 64 with the intermediate wire portions 68 thereofengaging the top wall 67 of the groove 64 and the offset loop portions66 projecting through the correspondingly located elongated apertures62. As most clearly shown in FIG. 7, the bight portions 72 of eachoffset loop portion 66 are slightly deformed outwardly into engagementwith the upper portion of the inner surface of the bottom perimeterframe wire and secured thereto as by welding or the like, as indicatedat 77 in FIG. 7.

Thus when assembled, the molded plastic bottom member 32 will besecurely suspended from each of the wire side walls 30 of the case 28 bymeans of the wire retaining member 34 and capable of sustainingconsiderable loads and impacts imposed on the bottom member 32 fromwithin the case. In addition, since the marginal edge portion 54 of thebottom member is in effect sandwiched between the bottom perimeter framewire 36 and the intermediate portions 68 of the wire retaining member34, the bottom member 32 is able to withstand considerable externalloads and impacts such as frequently occur when the case 28 is in aninverted position. Of course, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 7, the offsetloop portions 66 will lie generally in the plane of the vertical panelwires 46 and thus will not interfere with milk cartons within the case28. Moreover, it has been found that the use of the looped wireretaining member 34 to secure the plastic bottom member 32 to the caseside walls 30 permits the accommodation of the dimensional differencesbetween the wire case members and the molded plastic bottom as can occurin large scale manufacturing operations, without impairing the ultimateconnection of the bottom member to the wire side walls. Furthermore,although the plastic material of the bottom member 32 has a considerablygreater coefficient of expansion than the steel wire members, a case 28embodying the present invention is able to withstand rather severevariations in termperatures because of the resilient cantilever-likesuspension of the bottom 32 by the looped wire retaining member 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 8a and 8b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of a modified form of a case 128 embodying the invention. Theconstruction of the case 128 differs from that of the case 28, justdescribed, in that the wire retaining member 134 is provided with aplurality of pairs of offset loop portions 166 which, in the assembledcondition, do not extend beyond the uppermost surface of the bottomperimeter frame wire 136 and are secured to the inner surface thereof asby welding or the like. Of course, the number and spacing of each pairof offset loop portions 166 correspond to the number and spacing of theelongated slots 162 in the marginal edge of the molded plastic bottomwall 132. As in the previous embodiment of the invention, theintermediate portions 168 of the wire retaining member engage the topwall of the retaining element receiving groove 162.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of another modified form of a case 228 embodying the invention.The construction of the case 228 differs from that of the case 128described by reference to FIGS. 8a and 8b of the drawings, in that theoutermost transverse dimensions of the generally rectangular moldedplastic bottom member 232 are somewhat greater than the correspondingoutermost transverse dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 236so that the retaining element receiving groove 264 provided in theundersurface of the bottom member 232 and the elongated offset loopreceiving apertures 262 formed therein will be disposed outwardly of theouter surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 236. The wire retainingmember 234 has a rectangular configuration in plan corresponding in sizeand shape to the retaining element receiving groove 264 and is providedwith a plurality of pairs of vertically extending offset loop portions266 which are secured to the outer surface of the bottom perimeter framewire 236 by welding or the like. As in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 8a and 8b, each pair of offset loop portions 266 are spaced fromadjacent pairs of offset loop portions by intermediate portions 268which engage the top surface of the retaining element receiving groove262.

Referring now to FIGS. 10a and 10b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of another modified form of a case 328 embodying the invention.The construction of the case 328 differs from that of the case 28described by reference to FIGS. l-7 of the drawings in that the offsetloop portions 366 when initially formed have a greater vertical extentthan the offset loop portions 66 so that when they are deformedoutwardly in assembly of the molded plastic bottom 332 to the case sidewalls, the bight 372 of each offset loop portion 366 will overlie andengage the top surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 336. Eachoffset loop portion 366 is secured to the bottom perimeter frame wire336 as by welding or the like at or adjacent the bight 372.

Referring now to FIGS. 11a and 11b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of a further modified form of a case 428 embodying theinvention. The construction of the case 428 is similar to that of thecase 228 described heretofore by reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b in thatthe outermost dimensions of the molded plastic bottom 432 are greaterthan the corresponding dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 436and the retaining element receiving groove 434 and elongated apertures462 are disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the bottom perimeterframe wire 436. The construction of the case 428 differs from that ofthe case 228 in that the wire retaining member 434 is provided with aplurality of single offset loop portions 466, each of which isregistrable with a correspondingly located elongated aperture 462 in themolded plastic bottom 432. Each offset loop portion 466 when initiallyformed has a greater vertical extent than the loop portions 266 so thatwhen they are deformed inwardly in assembly of the bottom 432 to thecase side walls, the bight 472 of each offset loop portion 466 willoverlie and engage the top surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire436. As in the previously described embodiments, each offset loopportion 466 is secured to the bottom perimeter frame wire 436 by weldingor the like at or adjacent the bight 472.

Referring now to FIGS. 12a and 12b of the drawings, there is illustrateda portion of still another modified form of a case 528 embodying thepresent invention. The constructionof the case 528 differs from that ofthe case 28 described by reference to FIGS. I-7 of the drawings in thatthe offset loop portions 566 are secured as by welding or the like tothe bottom or undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire: 536. Asbest seen in FIG. 12b, when the bottom member 532 is assembled to theside walls of the case 528 each offset loop portion 566 will present agenerally L-shaped configuration when viewed in side elevation with theupper horizontally disposed leg of the L-shape which terminatesoutwardly in the bight 572 being disposed between, and ininterengagement with, the undersurface of the bottom perimeter framewire 536 and the upper surface of the marginal edge portion 554 of theplastic bottom member 532. Preferably, as illustrated, the bights 572 donot extend outwardly beyond the outer surface of the bottom perimeterframe wire 536. As in the other embodiments of the invention describedherein, the intermediate portions 568 of the wire retaining member 534supportingly engage the top wall of the retaining element receivinggroove 564.

Referring now to FIGS. 13a and 13b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of an additional modified form of a case 628 embodying thepresent invention. The construction of the case 628 is generallyidentical to that of the case 428 aforedescribed by reference to FIGS.Ila and 11b of the drawings except that the offset loop portions 666 ofthe wire retaining member 634 when initially formed have a somewhatlesser vertical extent than the offset loop portions 466 and are securedas by welding or the like to the undersurface of the bottom perimeterframe wire 636. As most clearly illustrated in FIG. 13b, when the bottommember 632 is assembled to the side walls of the case 628, each offsetloop portion 666 will present a generally L-shaped configuration whenviewed in side elevation with the lower vertically extending portion ofthe L-shape extending through the elongated aperture 662 and the upperhorizontally disposed leg of the L-shape which terminates inwardly in abight 672 being disposed between and interengaged with the undersurfaceof the bottom perimeter frame wire 636 and the upper surface of themarginal edge portion 654 of the plastic bottom member 632. In order toavoid interference with milk cartons placed within the case 628, thebight portions 672 do not extend inwardly beyond the inner surface ofthe vertical panel wires 646 and preferably, as illustrated, do notextend inwardly beyond the innermost surface of the bottom perimeterframe wire 636. As in the other embodiments of the invention, theintermediate portions 668 of the wire retaining member 634 supportinglyengage the top wall of the retaining element receiving groove 664. I

Referring now to FIGS. 14a and 14b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of another modified form of a case 728 embodying the invention.The construction of I the case 728 differs from that of the case 28described heretofore by reference to FIGS. 1-7 in that the outermosttransverse dimensions of the rectangular molded plastic bottom member732 are somewhat greater than the corresponding outermost transversedimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 736 and the inner wallsurfaces of the retaining element receiving groove 764 and the elongatedapertures 762 in the bottom member 732 underlie at least the outerportion of the bottom perimeter frame wire 736. In addition, the offsetloop portions 766 of the wire retaining member 734 which are relativelysmall, having a substantially lesser vertical extent when initiallyformed than the offset loop portions 66, extend angularly outwardly asthey emerge from the elongated apertures 762 and are secured as bywelding or the like at or adjacent their bights 772 to outer undersidesurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 736. When operativelyassembled, the intermediate portions 768 of the wire retaining member734 supportingly engage the top wall surface of the retaining elementreceiving groove 764 and the bottom perimeter frame wire will engage theupper surface of the bottom member 732 inwardly of the elongatedapertures 762.

Referring now to FIGS. 15a and 15b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of another modified form of a case 828 embodying the presentinvention. The construction of the case 828 is similar to that of case728 just described with the exception that the outer wall surfaces ofthe retaining element receiving groove 864 and the elongated apertures862 in the bottom member 832 underlie at least the inner portion of thebottom perimeter frame wire 836 and the relatively small offset loopportions 866 of the wire retaining member 834 extend angularly inwardlyas they emerge from the elongated apertures 862 and are secured as bywelding or the like at or adjacent their bights 872 to the innerunderside surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 836. Preferably, asbest seen in FIG. 15b, the bights 872 of the offset loop portions 866 donot extend inwardly beyond the innermost surfaces of the vertical panelwires 846 and thus will not interfere with milk cartons placed withinthe case 828. When assembled, the intermediate portions 868 of the wireretaining member 834 supportingly engage the top wall surface of theretain ing element receiving groove 864 and the undersurface of thebottom perimeter frame wire 836 will engage the upper surface of themarginal edge portion of the bottom member 832 outwardly of theelongated apertures 862.

Referring now to FIGS. 16a and 16b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of a further modified form of a case 928 embodying the presentinvention. The construction of the case 928 differs from that of thecase 28, described by reference to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings, in thatthe outermost transverse dimensions of the generally rectangular moldedplastic bottom member 932 are somewhat larger than the correspondingoutermost transverse dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 936and the retaining element receiving groove 964 provided in the uppersurface of the bottom member 932 as well as the elongated loop receivingapertures 962 therein are vertically aligned with the bottom perimeterframe wire 936. The wire retaining member 934 has a rectangularconfiguration in plan corresponding in size and shape to the retainingelement receiving groove 964 and is provided with a plurality of spacedpairs of relatively short vertically extending offset loop portions 966which project through the'apertures 962 and are secured at theirbights'972 to the undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 936 bywelding or the like. The intermediate portions 968 of the wire retainingmember 934 between the pairs of offset loops 966 will supportinglyengage the top wall surface of the retaining element receiving groove964 and the underside of the bottom perimeter frame wire 936 will overlie and either lightly engage or be engageable with the upper surfaceportions of the bottom member 932 lying between the elongated apertures962.

Referring now to FIGS. 17a and 17b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of a still further modified form of a case 1028 embodying thepresent invention. The construction of the case 1028 differs from thatof the case 28 described heretofore by reference to FIGS. l7 of thedrawings in that the upper or terminal end portions 1074 of the offsetloopportions 1066 of the wire retaining element 1034 are bent or formedoutwardly and downwardly into a generally inverted hook-shapedconfiguration, as viewed in side elevation, interengaging the uppersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 1036. In order that eachoffset loop portion 1066 be of a sufficient size to form the invertedhook-shaped portion 1074, the vertical extent of each offset loopportion 1066 when initially formed will be greater than the initiallyformed vertical extent of the offset loop portions 66 of the case 28.While the offset loop portions 1066 can, of course, be secured to thebottom perimeter frame wire by welding or the like, it has been foundthat the mechanical interconnection of the plastic bottom member 1032 tothe side walls of the case 28 provided by the wire retaining element1034 with the offset loop portions interengaging the bottom perimeterframe wire 1036 by means of the hook-shaped terminal end portions 1074is adequate without welding or other fastening means. When so assembled,without a welded or similar connection between the wire retainingelement 1034 and the wire side walls, the interengagement of thehook-shaped terminal and portions 1074 with the upper surface of thebottom perimeter frame wire 1036 and the interengagement of theintermediate portions 1063 of the wire retaining element 1034 with thetop .wall of the retaining element reeeiving'groove 1064 support themolded plastic bottom wall under internal case loads. As in previouslydescribed embodiments of the invention, the undersurface of the bottomperimeter frame wire 1036 engages the upper surface of the marginal edgeportion 1054 of the plastic bottom member 1032 and thereby supports thebottom member under externally imposed loads.

Referring now to FIGS. 18a and 18b of the drawings, there is illustrateda portion of another modified form of a case 1128 embodying the presentinvention. The construction of the case 1128 differs from that of thecase 1028 just described by reference to FIGS. 17a and 17b of thedrawings in that the outermost transverse dimensions of the generallyrectangular molded plastic bottom member 1132 are somewhat larger thanthe corresponding outermost transverse dimensions of the bottomperimeter frame wire 1036 and the retaining element receiving groove1164 in the undersurface of the bottom member 1132 as well as theelongated apertures 1162 are disposed outwardly of the outer surface ofthe bottom perimeter frame wire 1 136. The upper or free terminal endportions 1174 of each offset loop portion 1166 of the wire retainingelement 1134 are bent or formed inwardly and thence downwardly into a.generally inverted hook-shaped configuration, as viewed in sideelevation, interengaging the upper surface of the bottom perimeter framewire 1036. As in the embodiment of the invention illustrated by the case1028, the offset loop portion 1166 need not be welded to the case sidewalls because of the secure connection provided by the mechanicalinterlocking of the hook-shaped terminal end portion 1174 of each offsetloop portion 1 166 with the bottom perimeter frame wire 1136.

Referring now to FIGS. 19a and 19b of the drawings,

there is shown a portion of another modified form of a case 1228embodying the invention. The construction of the case 1228 differs fromthat of the case 28, previously described by reference to FIGS. 1-7 ofthe drawings, in that the wire retaining element 1234 is embedded in themarginal edge portion 1254 of the molded plastic bottom member 1232 andis secured, as by welding, at a plurality of longitudinally spacedlocations 1266 along its inner surface to the outer surfaces of thelower terminal end portions of a corresponding plurality of wire members1246 depending vertically from the case side walls. The wire retainingelement 1234 which can comprise a unitary rectangular ring or,alternatively, a plurality of separate wire or rod-like elements orinserts is preferably embedded in the marginal edge 1254 of bottommember 1232 intermediate the upper and lower surfaces thereof during theformation thereof by molding. In addition, the plurality of spacedcut-out or open portions 1272 which expose the portions 1266 of theretaining element 1234 and receive the terminal end portions of thevertical wire members 1246, which are connected to the retaining element1234, are also preferably formed during molding of the plastic bottommember. Preferably, the vertically depending wire members 1246 compriseintegral extensions of vertical panel wires of the side wall of the case1228. Of course, it will be clear that separate vertically dependingwire elements can be utilized to connect the embedded retaining member1234 to the wire side walls of the case. As best seen in FIG. 19b, whenoperatively assembled, the undersurface of the bottom perimeter framewire 1236 will overlie the outer portion of the marginal edge portion1254 of the plastic bottom member.

It will also be apparent that rather than being embedded in the moldedplastic bottom 1232, the retaining element 1234 can be disposed in aretaining element receiving groove formed in the undersurface of themarginal edge portion 1254 of the plastic bottom 1232 (similar to theretaining element receiving grooves of the previously describedembodiments) and intersecting the cut-out portions 1262, so as to exposeportions 1266 for attachment to the terminal ends of the vertical panelwires 1246. In addition, it will be appreciated in view of thedisclosure herein that the wire retaining element 1234 may be disposedinwardly of the vertical panel wires 1246 so that the outer surface ofthe portions 1266 of the retaining element 1234 will be secured to theinner surface of the vertical panel wires 1246.

Referring now to FIGS. 20a and 20b of the drawings, there is shown aportion of another modified form of a case 1328 embodying the invention.The construction of the case 1328 differs from that of the case 1228just described in that the inner periphery of rectangular wire retainingelement 1334 is disposed within, and interengages, a laterally outwardlyopening retaining element receiving groove or recess 1364 formed in themolded plastic bottom member 1332. The retaining element 1334 issecured, as by welding, at a plurality of longitudinally spacedlocations 1366 along its outer surface to the inner surfaces of acorresponding plurality of wire members 1346 depending vertically fromthe side walls of the case 1328. The wire retaining element 1334, whichis preferably in the form of an endless flat rectangular ring, can beretained in the retaining element receiving groove 1364 with a snap fit.In order to permit access to the retaining element receiving recess 1364for operative disposition of the wire retaining element1334 therein, acontinuous downwardly opening rectangular groove 1335, whichcommunicates with the recess 1334, is formed in the undersurface of thebottom member 1332. As was the case with the modification illustrated inFIGS. 19a and 19b, the depending wires 1346 can comprise integralextensions of vertical panel wires of the side walls of the case 1328which extend through apertures 1362 in the marginal edge portion 1354 ofthe plastic bottom member 1332 for their interconnection to theretaining element 1334. As in previous embodiments of the invention, thebottom perimeter frame wire 1336 will be seen to overlie, and preferablyengage, the upper surface of the molded plastic bottom member 1332.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 21a and 21b of the drawings wherein thereis shown a portion of a further modified form ofa case 1428 embodyingthe invention. The construction of the case 1428 differs from that ofthe case 28, previously described, in that the wire side walls 1430 areconnected directly to molded plastic bottom 1432 by means of thevertically depending portions 1447 which extend through verticallyaligned, preformed apertures 1462 in the marginal edge 1454 of thebottom 1432 and terminate in an integral enlarged retaining head portion1449 engaging the underside of the case bottom. Preferably, eachpreformed aperture 1462 includes a concentric, enlarged counterboreportion 1463 adapted to receive an enlarged retaining head 1449extending vertically from the undersurface of the bottom member andterminating in an annular shoulder 1465 intermediate the upper and lowersurfaces of the plastic bottom member 1432. Thus when assembled, theenlarged retaining heads 1449 will be disposed within the enlargedcounter bores 1463 and abut the annular shoulders 1465, as clearlyillustrated in FIG. 21b. As in the embodiments ofthe invention describedby reference to FIGS. 19a, 19b, a and 20b, the depending headed portions1447 can conveniently comprise integral. extensions of vertical panelwires 1446 of the case side walls 1430. The enlarged retaining headportions 1449 can be formed by suitable metal forming techniques such asupsetting or spinning either before or after the insertion of thevertically depending portions 1447 through the apertures 1462 in theplastic bottom 1432. In the event the enlarged retaining heads 1449 arepreformed, i.e. formed before insertion of the depending portions 1447through the apertures 1462, it is desirable that the leading end of theretaining head have a pointed or tapered configuration such as isprovided by the conically shaped retaining head 1449 illustrated herein.In addition, in order to eliminate or at least minimize, cold flow ofthe plastic material of the bottom adjacent the apertures 1462, it isnecessary that the head portions 1449 be rapidly inserted througheratively assembled and retained in position by the enthe apertures 1462such as by a suddenquick impact. 4

larged heads 1449, the bottom perimeter frame wire 1436 will engage theupper surface of the marginal edge 1454 of the plastic bottom.

Referring now to FIGS. 22a, 22b, and 22c of the drawings, there is showna portion of another modified form of a case 1528 embodying theinvention. The construction of the case 1528 differs from that of thecase 1328 previously described by reference to FIGS. 20a and 20b of thedrawings in that the retaining element 1534 is retained with a snap fitin an enclosed endless groove 1564 formed within the marginal edgeportion 1554 of the molded plastic bottom 1532 intermediate the upperand lower surfaces thereof and communicat ing with the upper surfacethrough a normally closed continuous slit portion 1535. The retainingelement 1534 is secured by welding or the like at a plurality of spacedlocations 1566 along its outer surface to the inner surface of thedepending terminal end portions 1547 of vertical panel wires 1546. Thecontinuous slit 1535 formed in the molded plastic bottom 1532 conformsin plan to, and overlies, the retaining element re-' ceiving groove 1564and extends from the upper surface of the bottom 1532 to its continuousintersection with the top of the retaining element receiving groove1564. As shown by broken lines in FIG. 220, the opposed faces of theslit 1535 which are normally urged by the resiliency of the plasticmaterial of the bottom into mutual engagement, can be spread or forcedapart to permit entry of the wire retaining element into the retainingelement receiving groove 1564. When the retaining element 1534 haspassed between the opposed faces of the slit 1535 and is operativelydisposed in the groove 1564, the slit will return to its normally closedposition with the opposed faces thereof once again adjacent, asillustrated by the solid lines in FIG. 220, so that theretaining-element 1534 will be operatively retained within the groove1564. The depending terminal end portions 1547 of the panel wires 1546extend to their connection with the retaining element 1534 throughsuitably located apertures 1562 which communicate with the retainingelement receiving groove 1564. While in the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 2211-220, the rectangular retaining element servesalso as the bottom frame wire of the case side walls, it will beapparent that a separate bottom perimeter frame wire, similar to thebottom perimeter frame wire 1336 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.20a and 201: may also be employed.

While in the accompanying drawings the wire retaining element has beenshown as being of a generally circular cross section, it will be readilyunderstood that other non-circular cross-sectional configurations can beutilized. For example, the wire retaining element may have elliptical,rectangular, or other polygonal cross-sectional shapes.

It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fullyand effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that theforegoing specific embodiments have been shown and described only forthe purpose of illustrating the principles of this invention and aresubject to extensive change without departure from such principles.Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed withinthe spirit and scope of the following claims.

- Whatv is claimedis;

1. A lightweight high strength carrying case comprising in combination:

vertical vwire side walls including top and bottom frame wire means;

a bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining anormally upwardly facing transversely extending article supportingsurface engaging said bottom frame wire means and having along its sideedges a plurality of spaced apertures cornmunicating with elongatedrecess means having a normally downwardly facing retaining meansengaging surface extending generally parallel to the side edge of saidbottom member with which it is associated; Y

i and wire-like retaining means connected at spaced locations throughsaid apertures to said vertical wire side walls and havingportions'intermediate said spaced locations extending between adjacentapertures and .within said recess means beneath and in engagement withsaid normally downwardly facing retaining means engaging surface toeffect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wireside walls.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein the retaining meanscomprises a wire ring having a configuration in plan correspondinggenerally to the configuration in plan of the wire side walls and aplurality of spaced vertically offset portions integral with said wirering which extend through the apertures in the bottom wall member andare connected to the bottom frame wire means.

3. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wirering are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offsetportions are secured to the inner surface of the bottom frame wire bywelding.

4. The structure defined in claim 3 wherein the offset portions comprisespaced pairs of downwardly opening loop portions.

5. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wirering are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offsetportions extend vertically adjacent the inner surface of the bottomframe wire and outwardly over a portion of the upper surface of thebottom frame wire and are secured thereto by welding.

6. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wirering are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offsetportions extend vertically 7 adjacent the inner surface of the bottomframe wire and terminate in outwardly extending generally hookshapedportions engaging the upper surface of the bottom frame wire.

7. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and ringmember are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the verticaloffset portions terminate in outwardly extending portions secured to theundersurface of the bottom frame wire by welding.

8. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wirering are disposed outwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offsetportions are secured to the outer surface of the bottom frame wire bywelding.

9. The structure defined in claim 8 wherein the offset portions comprisespaced pairs of downwardly opening loop portions.

10. The structure defined in'claim 2 wherein the recess means and wirering are disposed outwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offsetportions extend vertically adjacent the outer surface of the bottomframe wire and inwardly over a portion of the upper surface of thebottom frame wire and are secured thereto by welding.

11. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wirering are disposed outwardly of the bottom frame wireand the verticaloffset portions terminate in inwardly extending portions secured to theundersurface of the bottom frame wire by welding.

12. In a material handling crate including a bottom panel portion, aseparately formed upwardly extending body portion, and means rigidlysecuring said portions together at spaced points adjacent the outerperiphery of said bottom panel, the improvement wherein one of saidportions is molded from a plastic material and the other being formedfrom a plurality of elongated rodlike metal members rigidly secured infixed relation,

- and wherein said means rigidly securing said portions togethercomprises a plurality of apertures formed in said one portion adjacentthe outer periphery of said bottom panel portion, elongated metal barmeans extending beneath said apertures and in engagement with said oneportion, and welding lug means positioned within said apertures andrigidly connecting said elongated metal bar means and said otherportion, said welding lug means and said elongated metal bar meanscooperating to rigidly secure said bottom panel portion and said bodyportion.

13. In a material handling crate according to claim 12, the furtherimprovement wherein said other of said portion includes means engagingan upwardly directed surface of said one portion.

14. In a material handling crate according to claim 13, the furtherimprovement comprising an upwardly directed channel formed in said oneportion, said apertures extending through said one portion from spacedpoints within said channel and said elongated metal bar means beingpositioned within said channel.

15. In a'material handling crate according to claim 14, the furtherimprovement comprising a stacking ring integrally molded with said oneportion and projecting downwardly from said bottom panel adjacent theouter periphery thereof.

16. In a material handling crate according to claim 12, the furtherimprovement wherein said welding lugs are integrally formed with one ofsaid rigidly connected members.

17. In a material handling crate having a bottom panel portion and anupwardly extending body portion, one of said portions being molded froma plastic material and the other of said portions being formed from aplurality of elongated rod-like metal members rigidly secured in fixedrelation, said one portion including a stacking ring integrally formedtherewith and projecting downwardly from said bottom panel portionadjacent the outer periphery thereof, an upwardly extending channelformed in the bottom surface of said one portion adjacent the outerperiphery thereof, an elongated metallic insert positioned in saidchannel, means defining a plurality of apertures extending through saidone portion from spaced points within said channel, and welding lugmeans extending through said apertures and rigidly joining said other ofsaid portions to said elongated metallic insert, said welding lug meansbeing integrally formed on one of the joined elements, said lug meansand said elongated metallic insert cooperating to rigidly secure saidbottom panel portion and said upwardly extending body portion togetherto define said crate.

18. A lightweight high strength carrying case comprising vertical wireside walls including top and bottom-frame wires having substantially thesame general rectangular configuration in plan and a plurality ofvertical panel wires connecting said top and bottom frame wires; aone-piece bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material, saidbottom wall member including an upper surface defining a transverselyextending article supporting surface, a lower surface defining anintegral depending stacking ring and an outwardly opening groove alongthe marginal edge thereof, said stacking ring having a generallyrectangular configuration in plan similar to the configuration in planof said top frame wire but having outer transverse dimensions smallerthan the corresponding inner transverse dimensions of said top framewire so as to be receivable within the top frame wire ofa like case whenstacked thereupon, a plurality of apertures spaced apart along themarginal side edges of said bottom wall member extending from the uppersurface thereof into communication with said groove; metal retainingmeans extending within said groove engaging the upper wall surfacethereof intermediate said apertures and connected to the vertical wireside walls by means extending through each of said apertures.

19. The structure defined in claim 18 wherein the groove in the bottomwall member comprises an endless groove having a rectangularconfiguration in plan similar to the configuration in plan of the bottomframe wire and the metal retaining means comprises a wire ring havingsubstantially the same rectangular shape in plan as said endless grooveand including a plurality of integral similar offset portions spacedapart by intermediate portions extending in a generally common plane,said offset portions extending through the apertures in said bottom wallmember and being connected to said bottom frame wire and saidintermediate portions engaging the upper wall portions of said endlessgroove intermediate said apertures. i

20. The structure defined in claim 19 wherein the bottom frame wireengages the upper surface of the marginal edge portion of the bottomwall member.

21. The structure defined in claim 18 wherein the vertical wire sidewalls comprise a heat treated steel alloy and the synthetic resinmaterial of which the bottom wall member is formed comprises highdensity polyethylene.

22. The structure defined in claim 19 wherein the endless groove and thewire ring are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offsetportions are connected to the inner surface of the bottom perimeterframe wire by welding.

23. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side wallsincluding a perimetrically extending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottomwall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normallyupwardly facing article supporting surface adjacent said bottom framewire, said unitary bottom wall member including recess means disposedbelow the upwardly facing article supporting surface underlying at leasta portion of the inner surface of the bottom frame wire'and a pluralityof spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating withsaid recess means; and wire retaining means having a configuration inplan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wireside walls, said wire retaining means being received within said recessmeans of said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath saidarticle supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member, andsaid wire retaining means having integral, spaced, vertically offsetportions extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wallmember and inwardly, and said offset portions being welded to the lowerinner surface of said bottom frame wire.

24. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side wallsincluding a perimetrically extending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottomwall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normallyupwardly facing article supporting surface adjacent said bottom framewire, said unitary bottom wall member including recess means disposedbelow the upwardly facing article supporting surface underlying at leasta portion of the outer surface of the bottom frame wire and a pluralityof spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating withsaid recess means; and wire retaining means having a configuration inplan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wireside walls, said wire retaining means being received within said recessmeans of said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath saidarticle supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member, andsaid wire retaining means having integral, spaced, vertically offsetportions extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wallmember and outwardly, and said offset portions being welded to the lowerouter surface of the bottom frame wire.

25. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side wallsincluding a perimetrically extending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottomwall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normallyupwardly facing article supporting surface adjacent said bottom framewire, said unitary bottom wall member including recess means disposedbelow the upwardly facing article supporting surface underlying thebottom frame wire and a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginaledge portion communicating with said recess means; and wire retainingmeans having a configuration in plan corresponding generally to theconfiguration in plan of the wire side walls, said wire retaining meansbeing received within said recess means of said bottom wall member,extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface and engagingsaid bottom wall member, and said wire retaining means having integral,spaced, vertically offset portions extending through each of saidapertures in said bottom wall member, and said offset portions beingwelded to the overlying undersurface of said bottom frame wire.

the bottom frame wire and a plurality of spaced apertures along itsmarginal edge portion communicating with said recess means; and a wirering having a configuration in plan corresponding generally to theconfiguration in plan of the wire side walls, said wire ring beingreceived within said recess means of said bottom wall member, extendinglaterally beneath said article supporting surface and engaging saidbottom wall memher, and said wire ring having integral, spaced,vertically offset portions extending through each of said apertures insaid bottom wall member, adjacent the outer surface of said bottom framewire and terminating in inwardly extending generally hook-shapedportions engaging the upper surface of said bottom frame wire.

27. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side walls;a bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material and defining anormally upwardly facing article supporting surface; and retaining meanscomprising Wire means embedded in and extending laterally in a marginaledge portion of the bottom wall member intermediate upper and lowersurfaces thereof; the marginal edge portion of the bottom wall memberincluding a plurality of apertures communicating with said embedded wiremeans; and wire elements connected to the wire side walls extendingthrough said apertures and being connected to said embedded wire meansto effect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wireside walls.

28. A carrying case comprising in combination: a bottom wall memberformed of a synthetic resin material and defining a normally upwardlyfacing article supporting surface, said bottom wall member includingrecess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supportingsurface and said bottom wall member including a plurality of spacedapertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with theunderlying recess means; vertical wire side walls, said vertical wireside walls including a plurality of vertical panel wires with integraldepending extensions of the lower end portions of at least some verticalpanel wires extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wallmember; and retaining means comprising a wire ring connected to theterminal end portions of said extended vertical panel wires by welding,said wire ring being received within said recess, extending laterallybeneath said article supporting surface and engaging said bottom wallmember to effect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member tosaid wire side walls.

29. A carrying case comprising in combination: a bottom wall memberformed of a resilient synthetic resin material and defining a normallyupwardly facing article supporting surface, said bottom wall memberincluding recess means disposed below the upwardly facing articlesupporting surface and said bottom wall member including a plurality ofspaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with theunderlying recess means; vertical wire side walls, said vertical wireside walls including a plurality of vertical panel wires with integraldepending extensions of the lower end portions of at least some verticalpanel wires extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wallmember; and retaining means comprising a wire ring connected to theterminal end portions of said extended vertical panel wires by welding,said wire ring being received within said recess means and extendinglaterally beneath said article supporting surface, said recess meanscomprising an enclosed endless groove disposed intermediate the upperand lower surfaces of the marginal edge portion of the bottom wallmember and a normally closed endless slit overlying and intersectingsaid groove whereby after the opposed faces of the bottom wall materialdefining said slit are urged apart to permit the wire ring to bedisposed within said groove, said opposed faces will be resilientlyurged toward one another to close the slit and retain the wire ringwithin said groove in interengagement with said bottom wall member toeffect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wireside walls.

30. A carrying case comprising in combination: a bottom wall memberformed of a synthetic resin material and defining a normally upwardlyfacing article supporting surface, said bottom wall member includingrecess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supportingsurface and said bottom wall member including a plurality of spacedapertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with theunderlying recess means; vertical wire side walls, said vertical wireside walls including a plurality of vertical panel wires with integraldepending extensions of the lower end portions of at least some verticalpanel wires extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wallmember; and retaining means, said retaining means comprising enlargedportions at the terminal end portions of each of said extended verticalpanel wires, said enlarged portions extending laterally beneath saidarticle supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member toeffect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wireside walls.

31. The structure defined in claim 30 wherein the enlarged portionscomprise enlarged heads integral with the extended vertical panel wires.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE v CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,792,796 Dated February 19, 197A Inventor(s)William W. Woodruff andVance E. Rhinehart It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

Col. 12, line 58, before "surface" delete "upper" and insert therefor--under---.

Signed and sealed this 3rd day of December 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. 0 MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents I R po'wso USCOMM 0c 6051; was I U S. covnhnm "mu e onlci n"ogsa-u1

1. A lightweight high strength carrying case comprising in combination:vertical wire side walls including top and bottom frame wire means; abottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining anormally upwardly facing transversely extending article supportingsurface engaging said bottom frame wire means and having along its sideedges a plurality of spaced apertures communicating with elongatedrecess means having a normally downwardly facing retaining meansengaging surface extending generally parallel to the side edge of saidbottom member with which it is associated; and wire-like retaining meansconnected at spaced locations through said apertures to said verticalwire side walls and having portions intermediate said spaced locationsextending between adjacent apertures and within said recess meansbeneath and in engagement with said normally downwardly facing retainingmeans engaging surface to effect and maintain assembly of said bottomwall member to said wire side walls.
 2. The structure defined in claim 1wherein the retaining means comprises a wire ring having a configurationin plan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wireside walls and a plurality of spaced vertically offset portions integralwith said wire ring which extend through the apertures in the bottomwall member and are connected to the bottom frame wire means.
 3. Thestructure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring aredisposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions aresecured to the inner surface of the bottom frame wire by welding.
 4. Thestructure defined in claim 3 wherein the offset portions comprise spacedpairs of downwardly opening loop portions.
 5. The structure defined inclaim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed inwardly ofthe bottom frame wire and the offset portions extend vertically adjacentthe inner surface of the bottom frame wire and outwardly over a portionof the upper surface of the bottom frame wire and are secured thereto bywelding.
 6. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess meansand wire ring are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and theoffset portions extend vertically adjacent the inner surface of thebottom frame wire and terminate in outwardly extending generallyhook-shaped portions engaging the upper surface of the bottom Framewire.
 7. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means andring member are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and thevertical offset portions terminate in outwardly extending portionssecured to the undersurface of the bottom frame wire by welding.
 8. Thestructure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring aredisposed outwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions aresecured to the outer surface of the bottom frame wire by welding.
 9. Thestructure defined in claim 8 wherein the offset portions comprise spacedpairs of downwardly opening loop portions.
 10. The structure defined inclaim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed outwardly ofthe bottom frame wire and the offset portions extend vertically adjacentthe outer surface of the bottom frame wire and inwardly over a portionof the upper surface of the bottom frame wire and are secured thereto bywelding.
 11. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess meansand wire ring are disposed outwardly of the bottom frame wire and thevertical offset portions terminate in inwardly extending portionssecured to the undersurface of the bottom frame wire by welding.
 12. Ina material handling crate including a bottom panel portion, a separatelyformed upwardly extending body portion, and means rigidly securing saidportions together at spaced points adjacent the outer periphery of saidbottom panel, the improvement wherein one of said portions is moldedfrom a plastic material and the other being formed from a plurality ofelongated rod-like metal members rigidly secured in fixed relation, andwherein said means rigidly securing said portions together comprises aplurality of apertures formed in said one portion adjacent the outerperiphery of said bottom panel portion, elongated metal bar meansextending beneath said apertures and in engagement with said oneportion, and welding lug means positioned within said apertures andrigidly connecting said elongated metal bar means and said otherportion, said welding lug means and said elongated metal bar meanscooperating to rigidly secure said bottom panel portion and said bodyportion.
 13. In a material handling crate according to claim 12, thefurther improvement wherein said other of said portion includes meansengaging an upwardly directed surface of said one portion.
 14. In amaterial handling crate according to claim 13, the further improvementcomprising an upwardly directed channel formed in said one portion, saidapertures extending through said one portion from spaced points withinsaid channel and said elongated metal bar means being positioned withinsaid channel.
 15. In a material handling crate according to claim 14,the further improvement comprising a stacking ring integrally moldedwith said one portion and projecting downwardly from said bottom paneladjacent the outer periphery thereof.
 16. In a material handling crateaccording to claim 12, the further improvement wherein said welding lugsare integrally formed with one of said rigidly connected members.
 17. Ina material handling crate having a bottom panel portion and an upwardlyextending body portion, one of said portions being molded from a plasticmaterial and the other of said portions being formed from a plurality ofelongated rod-like metal members rigidly secured in fixed relation, saidone portion including a stacking ring integrally formed therewith andprojecting downwardly from said bottom panel portion adjacent the outerperiphery thereof, an upwardly extending channel formed in the bottomsurface of said one portion adjacent the outer periphery thereof, anelongated metallic insert positioned in said channel, means defining aplurality of apertures extending through said one portion from spacedpoints within said channel, and welding lug means extending through saidapertures and rigidly joining said other of said portions to saidelongated metallic insert, said welding lug means beIng integrallyformed on one of the joined elements, said lug means and said elongatedmetallic insert cooperating to rigidly secure said bottom panel portionand said upwardly extending body portion together to define said crate.18. A lightweight high strength carrying case comprising vertical wireside walls including top and bottom frame wires having substantially thesame general rectangular configuration in plan and a plurality ofvertical panel wires connecting said top and bottom frame wires; aone-piece bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material, saidbottom wall member including an upper surface defining a transverselyextending article supporting surface, a lower surface defining anintegral depending stacking ring and an outwardly opening groove alongthe marginal edge thereof, said stacking ring having a generallyrectangular configuration in plan similar to the configuration in planof said top frame wire but having outer transverse dimensions smallerthan the corresponding inner transverse dimensions of said top framewire so as to be receivable within the top frame wire of a like casewhen stacked thereupon, a plurality of apertures spaced apart along themarginal side edges of said bottom wall member extending from the uppersurface thereof into communication with said groove; metal retainingmeans extending within said groove engaging the upper wall surfacethereof intermediate said apertures and connected to the vertical wireside walls by means extending through each of said apertures.
 19. Thestructure defined in claim 18 wherein the groove in the bottom wallmember comprises an endless groove having a rectangular configuration inplan similar to the configuration in plan of the bottom frame wire andthe metal retaining means comprises a wire ring having substantially thesame rectangular shape in plan as said endless groove and including aplurality of integral similar offset portions spaced apart byintermediate portions extending in a generally common plane, said offsetportions extending through the apertures in said bottom wall member andbeing connected to said bottom frame wire and said intermediate portionsengaging the upper wall portions of said endless groove intermediatesaid apertures.
 20. The structure defined in claim 19 wherein the bottomframe wire engages the upper surface of the marginal edge portion of thebottom wall member.
 21. The structure defined in claim 18 wherein thevertical wire side walls comprise a heat treated steel alloy and thesynthetic resin material of which the bottom wall member is formedcomprises high density polyethylene.
 22. The structure defined in claim19 wherein the endless groove and the wire ring are disposed inwardly ofthe bottom frame wire and the offset portions are connected to the innersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire by welding.
 23. A carryingcase comprising in combination: vertical wire side walls including aperimetrically extending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottom wall memberformed of a synthetic resin material defining a normally upwardly facingarticle supporting surface adjacent said bottom frame wire, said unitarybottom wall member including recess means disposed below the upwardlyfacing article supporting surface underlying at least a portion of theinner surface of the bottom frame wire and a plurality of spacedapertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with said recessmeans; and wire retaining means having a configuration in plancorresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire sidewalls, said wire retaining means being received within said recess meansof said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath said articlesupporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member, and said wireretaining means having integral, spaced, vertically offset portionsextending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member andinwardly, and said offset portions being welded to the lower innersurface of said bottom frame wire.
 24. A carrying case comprising incombination: vertical wire side walls including a perimetricallyextending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottom wall member formed of asynthetic resin material defining a normally upwardly facing articlesupporting surface adjacent said bottom frame wire, said unitary bottomwall member including recess means disposed below the upwardly facingarticle supporting surface underlying at least a portion of the outersurface of the bottom frame wire and a plurality of spaced aperturesalong its marginal edge portion communicating with said recess means;and wire retaining means having a configuration in plan correspondinggenerally to the configuration in plan of the wire side walls, said wireretaining means being received within said recess means of said bottomwall member, extending laterally beneath said article supporting surfaceand engaging said bottom wall member, and said wire retaining meanshaving integral, spaced, vertically offset portions extending througheach of said apertures in said bottom wall member and outwardly, andsaid offset portions being welded to the lower outer surface of thebottom frame wire.
 25. A carrying case comprising in combination:vertical wire side walls including a perimetrically extending bottomframe wire; a unitary bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resinmaterial defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surfaceadjacent said bottom frame wire, said unitary bottom wall memberincluding recess means disposed below the upwardly facing articlesupporting surface underlying the bottom frame wire and a plurality ofspaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with saidrecess means; and wire retaining means having a configuration in plancorresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire sidewalls, said wire retaining means being received within said recess meansof said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath said articlesupporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member, and said wireretaining means having integral, spaced, vertically offset portionsextending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member, andsaid offset portions being welded to the overlying undersurface of saidbottom frame wire.
 26. A carrying case comprising in combination:vertical wire side walls including a perimetrically extending bottomframe wire; a unitary bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resinmaterial defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surfaceadjacent said bottom frame wire, said unitary bottom wall memberincluding recess means disposed below the upwardly facing articlesupporting surface outwardly of the bottom frame wire and a plurality ofspaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with saidrecess means; and a wire ring having a configuration in plancorresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire sidewalls, said wire ring being received within said recess means of saidbottom wall member, extending laterally beneath said article supportingsurface and engaging said bottom wall member, and said wire ring havingintegral, spaced, vertically offset portions extending through each ofsaid apertures in said bottom wall member, adjacent the outer surface ofsaid bottom frame wire and terminating in inwardly extending generallyhook-shaped portions engaging the upper surface of said bottom framewire.
 27. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire sidewalls; a bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material anddefining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface; andretaining means comprising wire means embedded in and extendinglaterally in a marginal edge portion of the bottom wall memberintermediate upper and lower surfaces thereof; the marginal edge portionof the bottom wall member including a plurality of aperturescommunicating with said embedded wire means; and wire elements connectedto the wire side walls eXtending through said apertures and beingconnected to said embedded wire means to effect and maintain assembly ofsaid bottom wall member to said wire side walls.
 28. A carrying casecomprising in combination: a bottom wall member formed of a syntheticresin material and defining a normally upwardly facing articlesupporting surface, said bottom wall member including recess meansdisposed below the upwardly facing article supporting surface and saidbottom wall member including a plurality of spaced apertures along itsmarginal edge portion communicating with the underlying recess means;vertical wire side walls, said vertical wire side walls including aplurality of vertical panel wires with integral depending extensions ofthe lower end portions of at least some vertical panel wires extendingthrough each of said apertures in said bottom wall member; and retainingmeans comprising a wire ring connected to the terminal end portions ofsaid extended vertical panel wires by welding, said wire ring beingreceived within said recess, extending laterally beneath said articlesupporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member to effect andmaintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wire side walls.29. A carrying case comprising in combination: a bottom wall memberformed of a resilient synthetic resin material and defining a normallyupwardly facing article supporting surface, said bottom wall memberincluding recess means disposed below the upwardly facing articlesupporting surface and said bottom wall member including a plurality ofspaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with theunderlying recess means; vertical wire side walls, said vertical wireside walls including a plurality of vertical panel wires with integraldepending extensions of the lower end portions of at least some verticalpanel wires extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wallmember; and retaining means comprising a wire ring connected to theterminal end portions of said extended vertical panel wires by welding,said wire ring being received within said recess means and extendinglaterally beneath said article supporting surface, said recess meanscomprising an enclosed endless groove disposed intermediate the upperand lower surfaces of the marginal edge portion of the bottom wallmember and a normally closed endless slit overlying and intersectingsaid groove whereby after the opposed faces of the bottom wall materialdefining said slit are urged apart to permit the wire ring to bedisposed within said groove, said opposed faces will be resilientlyurged toward one another to close the slit and retain the wire ringwithin said groove in interengagement with said bottom wall member toeffect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wireside walls.
 30. A carrying case comprising in combination: a bottom wallmember formed of a synthetic resin material and defining a normallyupwardly facing article supporting surface, said bottom wall memberincluding recess means disposed below the upwardly facing articlesupporting surface and said bottom wall member including a plurality ofspaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with theunderlying recess means; vertical wire side walls, said vertical wireside walls including a plurality of vertical panel wires with integraldepending extensions of the lower end portions of at least some verticalpanel wires extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wallmember; and retaining means, said retaining means comprising enlargedportions at the terminal end portions of each of said extended verticalpanel wires, said enlarged portions extending laterally beneath saidarticle supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member toeffect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wireside walls.
 31. The structure defined in claim 30 wherein the enlargedportions comprise enlarged heads integral with the extended verticalpanel wires.